> A good solar system is one that meets //your// needs. -- jimindenver((paraphrased))
> The fastest way to bring beginner expectations of solar in line with reality is to **assume you will run ... . -- secessus
====== A gentle introduction to solar ======
This page aims to provide beginners with a basic overview of solar power for nomads. There are oversimplifications

tp://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-How-much-solar-do-I-need?pid=259995#pid259995))
====== Real world solar configurations ======
This is a collection of real world solar setups used by nomads. They are grouped roughly ... al text.
The purpose of this page is to help the solar-curious see how other people have set up their so

estyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of wisdom]]: //"Any Solar is better than no solar, but having too much solar is difficult. The best solar systems are those which can keep the batteries the happiest. Happy batteri

brightly every day. -- Cariboocoot((http://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/comment/250894#Comment_250894))
====== Solar power ======
[Note: a [[electrical:solar:gentle intro|gentle introduction to solar]] is also available]
Solar (photovoltaic or PV) power is an e

w.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Troubleshooting-solar-issues?pid=343191#pid343191))
====== Is my solar working? ======
It is common for those with new solar configurations to worry about whether or not they... king. The worry is understandable because:
- solar is $$$; and
- solar can seem magical; and
- b

hat is [[rv:intro|the best van]]?
* How much solar do I need to [[hvac:solar ac|run an air conditioner]]?
* How will I [[electrical:12v:laptop|charge m... y laptop]]?
* Should I get a "[[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator|solar generator]]" like a Goal Zero?
* How will I [[food:coffee|make coffee]]?
* [[lif

====== Factors affecting solar panel output ======
For various reasons **it will be a rare event when yo... ler type =====
Due to their design, [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#pwm|PWM]] and [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#shunt|shunt]] charge controllers wi... at max output for given conditions.
[[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|MPPT]] controllers can run

====== Solar panels ======
Solar panels, also called photovoltaic (PV) panels, produce DC power from sunlight to cha... The panels can be used single or in [[electrical:solar:series vs parallel|series or parallel]] arrays.
... es than the batteries they charge, a [[electrical:solar:charge controller|charge controller]] is placed b

Bob
====== charging deep cycle batteries ======
Solar charging setups cannot charge at night so the mos... charging (shore power? alternator?) combined with solar can be ideal:
> "High amps in the morning when most depleted, and enough solar (hopefully more than enough) to reach and hold a... 10]] to C/5; this assumes more charging time than solar power allows.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forum

more complex than can be revealed in [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|a one-page intro]]. Again, drill down for more info.
-----
**Solar panel output will almost never be as high as the ... he best conditions; this is called "[[electrical:solar:output#panel_temperature|derating]]", or correcti... cally cost 2-3x as much as PWM.
**[[electrical:solar:charge_controller|Charge controllers]] have speci

====== Is solar mandatory? ======
Solar isn't //mandatory//, but it is incredibly useful for nomads. There should be a... eason why one would plan a build without //some// solar. Even just [[electrical:solar:builds#w|a small amount]]. Some reminders:
* solar is silent and can